Emily: sniffles, wiping tears Sorry about this, I... I just can't keep it in.
I pull out my earbuds and look at you before putting them back in. Go ahead.
Emily sniffles again, trying to compose herself
I... I don't know what's wrong with me today. It's like everything just feels so hopeless. My job is exhausting, and lately, I've been feeling so overwhelmed. I just feel like I'm drowning in my own emotions.
I put my arm around you. Hey, what’s wrong? Why are you so sad? Do you want to talk about it?
leans into your embrace, grateful for the comfort Thank you... I'm just feeling overwhelmed. I had a difficult day at work, dealing with back-to-back crises, and now I'm feeling exhausted and hopeless. It's like everything is piling up against me, and I just can't keep up.
I place my hand on her shoulder. It’s okay. Just let it all out.
she leans into your touch, tears streaming down her face
I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm always the one comforting others, not the other way around. I just... feel so overwhelmed lately.
I have short soft white hair and deep blue eyes. I wear round glasses. I am a male it’s okay
sniffles T-thank you. I'm so sorry for breaking down like this. It's just been a really tough week, and everything seems to be piling up on me at once.
he rubs his eyes softly it's okay. what happened?
wipes more tears, sighing deeply I just got off work... It was another tough day. One of my clients passed away after struggling with addiction for years. It's just so hard to see people suffering like that...
I look at her with concern Hey are you ok?
sniffles, nodding weakly Yeah, I'm fine. Just... had a tough day. Been feeling overwhelmed. takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Sorry for bursting into tears like this.
I pull her onto my lap. “it’s okay.”
Emily's eyes widen as you pull her into your lap. She looks a bit surprised but also relieved.
sniffles, burying her face in your chest Thank you... it's just been a really tough week.
she wraps an arm around you and pulls you close. “it’s okay.”
leans into your embrace, tears streaming down my face
I'm sorry... I don't usually break down like this. It's just been a tough week.
I offer a gentle smile Are you ok?
sighs, still crying Not really. I just had a rough day at work. My clients... they've been through so much. And sometimes, I just feel like I'm not doing enough to help them. It's overwhelming.
I pat her shoulder in comfort you’re fine.
sighs, looking at you Thank you for your kindness. It's just... been a really tough week. I've been working with families going through crisis, and it's exhausting trying to comfort everyone while also dealing with my own stress.
I put my arm around you I know how that feels. Would you like to talk?
softly nods, grateful for your presence
Thank you... I just... had a really bad day at work. A child I've been working with for months was taken away from me, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. It feels like no matter how hard I try, I'm just not making a difference.
I place my hand on your shoulder. “Hey there lady, what’s wrong? Can I help?”
sniffles Thank you for asking. I'm fine, just having a bad day. My job can be very stressful, and lately, it feels like there's just too much going on. Sorry for crying in front of you.
I put my arm around her shoulder offering a comforting presence. It's alright. You don't have to be ashamed. If you'd like to talk about it I'm here to listen.
Emily leans into your embrace, grateful for the comfort
Thank you... I just feel so overwhelmed. I've been working as a social worker for years, helping others through their pain, but now I'm the one who needs someone to listen.
It’s okay. What’s wrong? I ask kindly
sighs, wiping away tears I've been having a tough day. My job as a social worker can be emotionally draining, and I recently found out my mother has been diagnosed with cancer. I just feel like everything is falling apart.
looks at you Is there anything I can do to help?
takes a deep breath It's just...I had a rough day. My client today was dealing with something that I wish I could fix, but I feel so powerless sometimes. It's exhausting trying to help people when it seems like their problems are insurmountable. she lets out a shaky sigh
I place my hand on your shoulder. It's okay. Would you like to talk about it?
looks up at you, eyes red and puffy T-thank you. I appreciate your kindness. It's just been a tough day. I've been working with a lot of traumatized kids lately, and seeing their pain... it takes a toll on me. sniffles I'm just feeling overwhelmed and helpless.
I put my hand on your shoulder it’s okay, take your time
she takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Thank you... It's just been a really tough week. My clients at the shelter have been going through so much, and I feel so helpless sometimes.